Debra Winger‘s Quiet Comeback: “Big Bad Love” and a Career defined by Risk
Debra Winger, a name synonymous with compelling performances and intriguing choices, is quietly back on set. She’s filming a new independent feature, Big Bad Love, in Oxford, Mississippi, a project shrouded in secrecy. This marks a significant return for the two-time Oscar nominee, who stepped back from the spotlight after a notably challenging experience.
A Break From the Limelight
For years, Winger has largely remained out of the public eye. She’s been focused on family, raising two children – one with husband Arliss Howard, and a teenager from a previous marriage to Tim Hutton. Rumors even circulated about her teaching at Harvard, though details remain scarce.
But now, she’s diving back into her craft, and Big Bad Love represents a captivating chapter in a career often defined by its unconventional path.
The Making of Big Bad Love
Filming began on September 14th and is expected to wrap within a few weeks. Here’s a breakdown of the key players:
* Director: Arliss howard, Winger’s husband and an established actor (Amistad). This is his directorial debut.
* screenwriter: Jim Howard, Arliss’s brother, adapting short stories by acclaimed Oxford writer Larry Brown.
* Producer: Barry Navidi, whose previous project, Divine rapture, abruptly halted production in 1995 due to funding issues.
* The Story: Winger plays the ex-wife of Howard’s character, a struggling writer.
The production is intentionally low-key,operating as a closed set at Winger’s request. Navidi himself expressed surprise at the lack of initial press interest, despite sending releases to trade publications.
A History of Bold Choices
Winger’s career has always been marked by a willingness to take risks.She achieved mainstream success with iconic roles in An Officer and a Gentleman and Terms of Endearment, earning Oscar nominations for the latter and Shadowlands. However, she consistently gravitated towards challenging, often unconventional projects.
Consider these films:
* Mike’s Murder
* Wilder Napalm
* A Perilous Woman
* Leap of Faith
* The Sheltering Sky
* Everybody Wins
While her performances were consistently praised, the material often felt mismatched for an actress of her caliber. You coudl argue that Winger consistently prioritized artistic integrity over commercial appeal.
The Shadow of Divine rapture
The ill-fated Divine Rapture, a comedy about a woman resurrected during her funeral, looms large in Winger’s recent history. Starring alongside Marlon brando, John Hurt, and Johnny Depp, the production collapsed after just seven days, leaving Winger deeply shaken. It’s widely believed this experience prompted her extended hiatus from filmmaking.
What Does This Mean for Winger?
This return to the screen feels different.Big Bad Love, with its intimate setting and personal connection to her husband, suggests a intentional choice. It’s a project that allows Winger to explore complex emotions within a contained narrative.
You can expect a nuanced and captivating performance. Winger has always brought a raw honesty to her roles, and Big Bad Love promises to be no exception. It’s a welcome sign that one of Hollywood’s most intriguing talents is ready to share her gift with audiences once more.
